2003 Arcadian Westerly Vineyard Syrah

Arcadian, in Lompoc, on California’s Central Coast, was founded in 1996 by Joseph Davis and Jill Goldworn. The son of a Monterey fishing family, Joe Davis developed a taste for Grand Cru burgundy as a clerk in a wine shop where he worked during college. After graduating from UC Davis he worked as an assistant winemaker before starting his own estate. Arcadian produces Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah.

Santa Ynez Valley AVA is home to more wineries than any other area in Santa Barbara County. The appellation was established in 1983 and it includes a total of 76,800 acres, of which 1,500 acres are vineyards. Chardonnay is the dominant grape in this appellation, followed by Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Merlot. The appellation runs east and west with temperatures and microclimates changing significantly from warmer in the east to cool by the time the district gets close to the Pacific Ocean. In recent years Rhone-style wines have been successfully made here, and vineyards now are also planted to Syrah, Viognier, Roussanne, Grenache, Mourvedre and Marsanne.

This grape is grown in milder climates and produces a medium-to full-bodied wine. It is also known as Shiraz, but should not be confused with Petit Sirah, which was developed by crossing Syrah with Peloursin.